Question of Privilege
July 25, 1975
Reflections upon a Member
Hon. James Jerome
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The motions asking for a general investigation under the terms of a specialized motion of privilege Jack sufficient merit to be given precedence over other motions; there is nothing to prevent Members putting down a substantive motion of this sort at any time.
The motion of Mr. Reid, on the other hand, is more specific and addresses an issue of clear importance, the alleged use of a national newspaper to accuse, falsely, a Member of a misuse of his privileges as a Member of the House. There is a prima facie case of privilege.
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Holding
"A general motion for an investigation does not meet the threshold for a question of privilege, but a specific motion alleging false accusations against a Member in the media does establish a prima facie case."
AI Summary
The Speaker found a prima facie case of privilege in a specific motion concerning false accusations against a Member, while denying precedence to a more general motion.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Sustained
- Tone
- Neutral
- Significance
Low
High